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<em>Richard "Rip" Wilkins Ripple </em>was born in Denver, CO. Having decided at an early age to become a military officer, he entered USMA, and while there, was Intercollegiate Sabre Champion in 1936. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Infantry. In 1938, he was transferred to Ft. Shafter, HI. During that tour of duty, he met Louise Herron, daughter of the commanding general, Charles D. Herron, whom he later married in August 1941 in Washington, DC.</p>
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MAJ Ripple assumed command of the 707th Tank Battalion in 1943. The unit fought in the darkness of the frozen Huertgen Forest, where his infiltration into the middle of nine German divisions, as leader of “Task Force Ripple,” earned him a battlefield promotion to lieutentant colonel. Captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge on 19 Dec 1944, he was freed by American troops on 12 Apr 1945. For his service, he received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), the National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal.</p>
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COL Ripple returned to a liberator’s welcome in France and Luxembourg in September 1994, the 50th anniversary of D Day. The mayors of Colleville, St. Laurent, and Vierville, France declared him an honorary citizen of “Omaha Beach.” He was present for the dedication of the town memorial plaque of Marnach, Luxembourg, to the 707th Tank Battalion for its resistance against overwhelming enemy forces in the Battle of the Bulge. The museum of Clervoux, Luxembourg, displays one of his tanks in its courtyard. To his delight, he learned that his actions as leader of “Task Force Ripple”had become part of standard combat curriculum for NATO troops.</p>
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The last tour of duty in his 30-year military career brought him back to Hawaii, as commanding officer of the ROTC instruction group at the University of Hawaii during 1963-66. He retired in Honolulu and worked for some years after as an investment broker.</p>
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He was a member of Oahu Country Club, where he golfed at every opportunity. His many interests included growing orchids and repairing antique clocks. He visited Africa for several extended periods, where he earned the title of “One-Shot B’wana.” An avid skier since his youth, he was particularly pleased when he was ranked number one nationally in the 80-and-over NASTAR skiing races for the 1992—93 season.</p>
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In 1998, Richard Ripple passed away afier a brief illness, with his family at his bedside. He was 85. He is survived by his wife, Louise Herron Ripple; his four children, Richard W. Ripple, Jr., Louise Yuhas, Daphne Araujo, and Carol Ripple; seven grandchildren; and his sister Elinor Freeman.</p>